Taraxacum officinale is a large genus of flowering plants and consists of species commonly known as dandelion. They are native to Eurasia and North America, but they were originally imported from Europe that now propagate as wildflowers. Taraxacum is edible in its entirety. The common name dandelion is french and can be translated as lion's tooth. It is an herb widely known and recognized by many other names, such as pu gong yong, piss-in-bed, priest's crown, puff ball, cankerwort, wild endive, prince in pauper's clothing, swine's snout, clock flower, royal herb and yellow gowan.

The root, either fresh or dried, the young blooms of the dandelion herb contain medicinal properties and are used to prepare medications. Most parts of the dandelion herb contain reasonably bitter, milky latex. However, the juice extracted from the root of the dandelion is considered to be highly potent for medicinal purposes.

Dandelion as a medicine was first mentioned in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild endive. Welsh medicine allusions are also found about the herb, dating back to the thirteenth century. Dandelion was much valued as a medicine and is still extensively employed for its healing properties.

The chief constituents of dandelion root are taraxacin, acrystalline and taraxacerin, an arcid resin, which inulin, gluten, gum and potash. Dandelion contains substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, B complex, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, choline, calcium and boron.

Medicinal Application:

Certain chemical compounds in fresh dandelion greens, flower tops and roots are known to have antioxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties.

The herb is a good source of dietary fiber and additionally, the latex contained in the leaves is a good laxative. These active compounds in the herb help reduce weight and control cholesterol levels in the blood.

Dandelion root as well as other plant parts contain bitter crystalline compounds called taraxacin and an acrid resin, taraxacerin. Further, the root also contains inulin and levulin. Together, these compounds are responsible for various therapeutic properties of the herb.

The leaves, apart from containing ample amounts of vitamin A, are packed with numerous health benefiting flavonoids such as carotene b, carotene a, lutein, crypto-xanthin and zea-xanthin. Consumption of natural foods rich in Vitamin A and flavonoids help human body receive protection from lung and oral cavity cancers. Zeaxanthin is supposed to possess photo-filtering functions and therefore, may help protect retina from harmful UV rays.

The herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium, as well as boron.

It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, vitamin E and vitamin C that are all essential for optimum health.

Dandelion is probably the richest herbal source of vitamin K, providing about 650% of daily recommended intake. Vitamin K is a bone strengthening agent, by providing osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.

Certain principle compounds in the herb have laxative and diuretic functions.

The plant parts have been used as herbal remedy for liver and gall bladder complaints.

The herb has been used for centuries to treat jaundice and the yellowing of the skin that comes with liver dysfunction, cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver disease. Dandelion thus, can be used to detoxify the liver and reduce the side effects of prescription medications.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.